Former Inter Milan striker Antonio Cassano has leapt to the defence of Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku was again forced to the sidelines this week.

Cassano, aftr the scratchy Coppa Italia win against Parma, said: "Lukaku isn't feeling well and what's more if you put him on 10/15' from the end he doesn't get into the game quickly, you put him in difficulty if he doesn't play from the start.

"(Simone) Inzaghi should help him more, but he's not doing it. You have to find an alternative game for him, not just throwing the long ball at the Belgian.

"Calha and Barella are out due to injury, but I didn't understand why (Fede) Dimarco was removed."